IAETSD JOURNAL FOR ADVANCED RESEARCH IN APPLIED SCIENCES, VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4, SEPT /2017

ISSN (ONLINE): 2394-8442

SCOPE FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF FRP COMPOSITE REINFORCED WITH

DIFFERENT NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS - A REVIEW
P.A. Thakare 1, Neeraj Kumar2, V. B. Ugale3
1, 3
Faculty of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, College of Military Engineering, Pune, India.
2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, SGVU, Jaipur, India.

Corresponding Author: 2vinayugale@gmail.com

ABSTRACT.

Natural fibre-reinforced polymer composite have elevated inordinate attention and concern among
researchers/engineers in recent years due to better mechanical properties, acoustic features and
biodegradability. The present study surveys the research work published in the field of polymer composite
with reference to material used, processing of fibres, fabrication technique, characterization and numerical
analysis. Based on literature review of various aspects in developing polymer composite materials, it is
observed that extensive work has been done related to natural fibre monologue structure, synthetic fibre
monologue structure and sandwich structure. Aforementioned facts reveal that there is a further scope to
develop suitable hybrid combination for making better FRP composite to utilize the properties of both natural
and synthetic fibre. The behaviour under flexural, impact and fatigue loading of laminated polymer composite
are the main areas of interest of researchers to develop environmental friendly, low cost, high strength- stiffness
and light weight composite. Furthermore, it is observed that there is scope for enhancement of hydrophobic
property of natural fibres in composite through chemical/physical treatment for better fibrematrix interface.
Addition of carbon Nano-tube particles have high potential for improvement of mechanical properties. Thermal
and acoustic behaviour are necessary to investigate for new range of applications.

Keywords Monocoque structure, Natural fibers, Hybrid panel, Delamination, Flexural strength.

I. INTRODUCTION
A pure polymer does not have requisite mechanical strength for application in various fields1. Polymer composite are typically used in the
monocoque structures. The monocoque composite structure is heavy, costly and the laminas of the middle portion close to the neutral plane of
the structure, are not used to their full strength under flexural loading. To overcome these, hybrid-structures made of high strength Fiber
Reinforced Polymer (FRP) outer face sheets and light weight core material are being developed. The hybrid-structures are comparatively lighter
and less expensive.

The reinforcement by high strength fibers provide the polymer substantially enhanced mechanical properties. FRP composites are developed
using synthetic fibers such as glass, carbon, kevlar etc. These FRP composites have excellent properties such as high stiffness, high strength, low
density, good corrosion resistance, less prone to environmental degradation, excellent thermal insulation, acoustic damping and good aesthetic
quality. It makes the material highly desirable in large number of diverse applications like automobiles, marine, aerospace, furniture, sports
equipment etc. Although [6], FRP made of synthetic fibres possess excellent properties, they have got some serious drawbacks such as high cost,
poor recycling and non-biodegradable properties. Over last few years, FRP made of natural plant fibres are increasingly gaining attention as
viable alternative due to attractive properties like low processing cost, light weight, biodegradability, satisfactory specific strength and modulus.

Due to many environmental problems, the disposal methods for Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Plastics (SFRP) and their recycling have been
extremely acknowledged2. Natural Fibers (NFs) may show a significant role in developing biodegradable composites to resolve the current
ecological and environmental problems. In the past decade, natural fiber composites have been developed [7], in which several natural fibers
such as ramie, hemp, jute, sisal, bamboo, banana, oil palm fibers etc. are used as reinforcements in place of glass fibers. But still the mechanical
strength could not match to that of synthetic fibre FRP3.

To Cite This Article: P.A. Thakare, Neeraj Kumar, V. B. Ugale,.SCOPE FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF FRP
COMPOSITE REINFORCED WITH DIFFERENT NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS - A REVIEW. Journal
for Advanced Research in Applied Sciences. Volume 4, Issue 4, Sept-2017; Pages: 43-50
44. P.A. Thakare, Neeraj Kumar, V. B. Ugale,.SCOPE FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF FRP COMPOSITE
REINFORCED WITH DIFFERENT NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS - A REVIEW. Journal for Advanced
Research in Applied Sciences. Volume 4, Issue 4, Sept-2017 Pages: 43-50

Although the advantages listed above, they suffer from some constraint such as lower modulus compared to synthetic fibers, poor moisture
resistance particularly water absorption4. Some researchers already had done work to improve hydrophobic properties of natural fibers1, 2, 5.
Nano-particles are presently considered as a high-potential material for the improvement of mechanical and physical properties of polymer
composite as the nano scale are usually free of defects5. There is a need to investigate thermal and acoustic behaviour of composite to enhance
the applications in thermal insulation and sound absorption building industries.

The review was focused towards constituent materials, fabrication technique, characterization, failure mechanism and numerical simulation of
the FRP. An attempt has been made to organize the literature of FRP related to monocoque structure of synthetic and natural fiber, hybrid
structure of different synthetic and natural fibers, and sandwich panels with foam core. This will be helpful to decide suitable combination of
synthetic and natural fiber to develop hybrid panel for new range of applications.

II. LITERATURE REVIEW

A. Monocoque Structure

1. Synthetic fiber monocoque composite.

Several researchers worked on performance of monocoque structure6-12. Caprino and Lopresto6 observed the influence of material thickness
on response of monocoque structure of carbon fabric/epoxy under low velocity impact. Tiberkak et al.7 invested the behavior of fiber reinforced
composite plates subjected to low velocity impact by Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Mindlins plate theory was implemented into the FE
approach in which a 9 node lagrangian element was considered. The laminates with different stacking sequence were analysed at different
impact velocities. Wonderly et al.8 studied the mechanical properties of monocoque structure of glass and carbon fibers under range of loading
conditions. The carbon fibers laminates proved mechanically better under loading conditions where the strength is mainly fiber dominated, i. e.
under tensile loading and indentation. The glass fiber laminates were equally strong under loading conditions where the strength is mainly resin
dominated. Both composites exhibit excellent properties and are appropriate for use in large ships. Carbon fiber ship could be built significantly
lighter than glass fiber ditto of the same strength and/or stiffness.

Lopez9 used CFRP laminate of 1.6 mm thickness made of eight layers of plain woven AGP-193-PW/8552 (AS4 fiber) and Kumar10 used
CFRP laminates having nominal thickness of 3 mm for the impact analysis under air gun set up. Cantwell11 analysed 2 mm thick CFRP laminate
manufactured from ( 450) sheets of pre-impregnated Grafil XA-S fibers in Ciba-Geigy BSL 914C epoxy under drop weight impact test set up.
Dorey et al.12 carried out the study of carbon fiber, kevlar 49 fiber and carbon fiber/kevlar 49 fiber hybrid reinforced epoxy laminates,
comprising 00, 900 and 450 layers, were subjected to drop weight and ball gun impact at incident energies up to18.4J. It was observed that a
hybrid composite can have significantly better overall impact properties than laminates reinforced with only one type of fiber. As the laminate
structure is susceptible to delaminating under impact loading, some data related to overall damage area of monocoque structure under impact
loading is presented. The overall damage area of monocoque structure made of carbon fibers is shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 1 - Overall damage area in monocoque FRP laminate [60]

2. Natural Fiber Monocoque Composite.

Recently, there has been a quick growth in research and innovation in the Natural Fiber Composite (NFC) area. Interest is obligatory due to
the advantages of these materials compared to others, such as synthetic ber composites, including low environmental impact and low cost and
support their latent across a wide range of applications. Some investigators used natural fibers for making the hybrid panels13-23. Pickering et al.1
reviewed the research on improving the strength, stiffness and impact strength including the effect of moisture and weathering on mechanical
properties of natural fibers. The lower densities of NFCs are better compared to specific properties. Fiber selection, matrix selection, interface
strength, fiber orientation and fabrication techniques directly affect the performance of natural fiber composite.

Sait and Venkatraman13 work on natural fibers such as jute, bamboo in composite. Chemical treatment with alkali shows better results in
failure strain property of composite. Anil Kumar14 tested termite mound & rice husk made NF composite with improvement in tensile & impact
strength. Impact strength of 43.6 KJ/m2 was obtained. Raghavendra15 presents composite made up of short banana fibers of 15 mm length and
studied Inter Laminar Shear stress (ILSS) and morphology by SEM. As fiber concentration increases tensile strength increases. Vacuum
fabrication method was used to make composite. Nguong and Lee3 brought out that natural fibers are more environmental friendly compared to
polymer composite due to renewability, biodegradability, non-toxicity and good insulation property. Addition of nano material such as nano-
silica carbide or clay can be added to overcome water absorption problem.
45. P.A. Thakare, Neeraj Kumar, V. B. Ugale,.SCOPE FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF FRP COMPOSITE
REINFORCED WITH DIFFERENT NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS - A REVIEW. Journal for Advanced
Research in Applied Sciences. Volume 4, Issue 4, Sept-2017 Pages: 43-50

Babu et al.16 also reviewed the application of bone grafting and generation of bio-medical devices with natural fibers (banana & hibiscus).
Sahari and Sapuan17 carried out research to evaluate the development and properties of natural fiber biodegradable composite. A review on
natural fibers was done by Chandramohan18 on application of sisal and banana. Hybrid composite coated with calcium phosphate can be used for
both external and internal bone replacement for fractured human body. Ticoalu19 has shown that natural fiber composite can be developed into a
load-bearing structural element for infrastructural applications. Manufacturing processes were also discussed for various types of natural fibers
with more tensile strength in hand lay-up and vacuum assisted technique. Mohd.20 worked on plant NF reinforced thermosetting matrix
composite. Characteristics show improvement in mechanical, thermal and moisture properties. Injection moulding fabrication process is used to
make composite. Further study is advised to be taken in fiber length, fiber content & fiber orientation for superior properties.

Westman et al.21 did preliminary research on use of kenaf, hibiscus natural fibers with compression moulding process. Improvement in
strength and compatibility with synthetic fibers were observed. Fiber treatment needs to be explored to reduce water absorption. Singha22 reports
the synthesis of NF using compression moulding technique especially from wear resistance perceptive. Tensile, compressive, flexural strength
and wear resistance properties were found. Nabi and Jog23 reported the work on natural fiber reinforced composites with special reference to
types of fiber matrix interface and also brought out recent development and interest in commercialization in automobile industry.

Fig. 2 - Tensile strength of different natural fiber FRP [43]

B. Hybrid Composite

1. Hybrid composite with different synthetic fibers.

The investigation of the novel applications of hybrid composite has been of deep interest to the researchers for many years24-32. Andersen et
al.24 has done a comparative study of tensile and compression properties of carbon/glass epoxy hybrid and non-hybrid composite with optimum
impact and texture strength performance. Vacuum bagging technique was used to prepare hybrid composite and the study shows that fabric
architecture plays a significant role in compression loading. Mis-orientation in fiber demonstrates poor performance. Tensile strength of 966
MPa was achieved in both carbon/glass epoxy composite. Gururaja and Hari25 studied various materials available and properties trends based on
various aspects of application. Epoxy resin suggested being preferred as polymer matrix in making hybrid composite of glass and carbon. Park et
al.26 studied the damage resistance of hybrid structure composed of Nomex honeycomb core (thickness 10 mm and 20 mm) and two types of
face sheets (carbon / epoxy and glass/ epoxy laminates) subjected to low velocity impact. The impact damages are mostly delamination in the
face sheets.

Imielinska et al.27 investigated effect of manufacturing on impact damage performance in typical marine composites of E-glass
fiber/polyester/PVC foam core hybrid structures. Wet layup process is better to adhesive bonding of face to foam. Delamination load found to be
2.5KN and interface morphology of composite was also examined by using SEM analysis. Qiao and Yang28 were concerned with impact
analysis of a FRP Honeycomb hybrid panel (E-glass/Polyester resin) with sinusoidal core geometry in the plane and extend vertically between
face laminates. The impact response (e. g. contact force and central deflection) was predicted by software ABAQUS and LS-DYNA.

Naik et al.29 observed that transverse static central load threshold for damage initiation is higher for woven fabric composites compared to
those of cross ply laminates made of unidirectional layers and unidirectional composites. Impact behavior of various grades of carbon and glass
fibers were studied and validated by FEA method. Davalos et al.30 analysed thick E-glass FRP honeycomb panel for bridge decks under the three
point and four point bent test. FEA models to test composite samples using layered shell elements to correlates results with experimental values.
Johnson and Simon31 discussed modelling and numerical simulation of the impact response of glass/epoxy laminates specially containing elastic
damage in the fiber direction with shear effect using FE commercial software. Gaudenzi et al.32 investigated the design and testing of glass fiber
sandwich panels for car body constructions. The glass fabrics were used as reinforcement of composite. Vinyl ester was employed as matrix
material for improving the fire resistance.

2. Hybrid composite with different natural fibers.

Natural fiber hybrid composite have become a popular new material because of low cost, easy availability and environmental friendly
properties33-39. Recently Venkatesh et al.33 showed addition of bamboo fibers in unsaturated polymer composite by hand lay-up technique of up
to 50% of weight results in increasing mechanical properties and decreasing moisture absorption properties. Flexural strength of 54.12MPa &
impact strength of 14.8KJ/m2 was achieved. Interfacial bonding between fiber and matrix can be improved by chemical treatment. Ashik et al.34
studied different properties of NFs (such as hemp, jute, bamboo and sisal) to substitute glass fiber. Investigation needed to be done for static
dynamic properties of jute/glass fiber and validation through numerical method. Madhukiran35 carried out investigation for flexural properties on
composite made up of banana & pineapple NF into epoxy matrix. Flexural and ILSS test carried out for light weight applications. ILS test shows
increases in flexural strength in longitudinal direction with maximum break load.
46. P.A. Thakare, Neeraj Kumar, V. B. Ugale,.SCOPE FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF FRP COMPOSITE
REINFORCED WITH DIFFERENT NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS - A REVIEW. Journal for Advanced
Research in Applied Sciences. Volume 4, Issue 4, Sept-2017 Pages: 43-50

Dheenadhayal36 worked on sisal and sugarcane fibers with alkalization treatment using NaOH solution. Results show improvement in tensile
strength in hand lay-up fabricated specimens. Biomedical compatibility taken further by Harish et al.2 with developed coir composite and tested
for various mechanical properties. SEM analysis for fractured surface was used for interfacial properties of coir/epoxy and compare with
glass/epoxy composite (Hand lay-up method). Flexural and impact strength of 31.08MPa and 11.49KJ/m2 was achieved showing higher
interfacial bond strength. Dweib et al.37 analysed composite sandwich beams made of soya bean oil based resin and NFs (flax, cellulose, pulp,
recycled paper, chicken feathers) by vacuum bagging method for the roof of house. Rana et al.38 and Nangia39 studied the effect of impact
modifier in impact modifier in impact strength to optimize the tensile and flexural properties. Jute properties can be improved by incorporation
of glass fiber plies

3. Hybrid composite with synthetic and natural fibers both.

Mixing of natural fiber with glass fiber reinforced polymer is finding increased application. The result indicated in40-49 that incorporation of
natural fibers improves the properties of composite. Alagarraja et al.40 developed sisal-glass fiber reinforced epoxy composite by hand lay-up
method. Microstructure study shows cracks at braking point only. Sanjay et al.41 used a hand lay-up technique to prepare jute-glass fiber
reinforced composite. Results show better tensile & impact strength of 50-50% jute-glass composition. Tensile strength of 85 MPa and flexural
strength of 114 MPa with impact strength 7.12J was achieved. Saktive and Rajendran42 studied hybrid composite of banana-glass-banana (Using
hand lay-up method) with highest mechanical properties which can be widely used in transport and naval industry. Also chemical treatment like
NaOH will increase the moisture content by 30%. Begum et al.43 gave brief overview on improvement of flexural strength and corresponding
modulus of elasticity of NF composite which will create new employment in developing country. It is found that for achieving equivalent
mechanical strength of the material, the volume fraction of natural fiber should be higher than that of glass fiber. Epoxy resin has excellent
adhesion to the large number of materials. Moisture absorption can be reduced substantially by the chemical treatment with bio-degradable and
environmental aspect.

Olusegun et al.44 worked on banana, hemp and coconut NFs with E-glass laminates (hand lay-up method) and found out NF are of interest for
low cost engineering application & compete with artificial glass fiber when high stiffness per unit weight is desirable. Hoo Tien Kaun45 have
shown that increasing the volume fraction of glass SRPP(self-reinforced polypropylene) enhances the energy absorbing characteristics of
composite and increases the amount of glass fiber improves flexural modulus of hybrid composite. Impact strength shows that hybrid composite
offers better resistance than glass fibers. Ahmed et al.46 studied effect of stacking sequence on tensile, flexural and interlaminar shear properties
of untreated woven jute and glass fabric reinforced polyester(hand lay-up method) hybrid composites experimentally. The results indicated that
the properties of jute composites can be considerably improved by assimilation of glass fiber as extreme glass plies. Investigation on
hybridization of glass with natural fiber for application in piping industry was explored by Cicala47 using flax, hemp and kenaf fiber composite.
Ramakrishna48 describes analytical model for predicting tensile properties of knit-glass-epoxy fiber composite. Determination of the effect of
fiber arrangement in woven hybrid composite of basaf-aramide composite with higher ductile indices and higher specific energy absorption was
reported by Wang et al.49.

4. Hybrid composite with synthetic fiber face sheet and foam core (sandwich).

The weakest point of hybrid composite elements consists in the possible debonding (delamination) of the external facing of the sandwich (skins),
which must possess considerable rigidity and strength, from the central part of the sandwich (core), which is required to possess a low specific
weight and an adequate shear stiffness50-60. Corigliano et al.50 analysed the hybrid structure made of number of layers of interwoven glass
fiber/polymer matrix skin and syntactic foam made by hallow glass micro spheres embedded in an epoxy matrix. Experimental tests and
numerical finite element simulations have been performed in order to characterize fully the behavior of hybrid material for naval applications.
Hosur et al.51 studied 3-D hollow incorporated core composite hybrid laminates with and without additional face sheets that were fabricated
using vacuum assisted resin infusion moulding process. Plain weave glass fabric and twill weave carbon fabrics were used on top and bottom
sides of the panels in four different monolithic and hybrid combinations. Results shows that glass facing sustained maximum load followed by
glass-carbon hybrid, carbon-glass hybrid, and carbon facings. The laminates with carbon facing sustained the impact load of 15J without any
permanent damage to face sheet. By inserting another inter sheet in the core reduces the local crash/buckling shown by Jiang et al.52. LS-DYNA
3D software simulation revealed that the internal sheet involved has no significant effect on the contact forces and deflection of sandwich
structure which is independent on location and impact energy.

Few investigators worked on thin sandwich panels. Kumar et al.53 analysed thin sandwich panels made of short fiber FRP face sheets and core
mat (hand lay-up method). The properties such as load bearing capacity, stiffness and area density of the thin sandwich panel were compared
with thin mild steel sheet using four-point flexure test. The polyester foam core mats53, 54 are available as thin sheets of 1-3 mm thickness, are
very light weight and are easy to use as core material. But core mat/resin core is much lighter than the corresponding portion of a monocoque
laminate. Ning & Janowski55 designed and manufactured a mass transit bus side body panel using thermoplastic composite materials consisting
of E-glass fiber/polypropylene face sheets and polypropylene honeycomb core. It provides low weight, high strength, recycling ability and
energy absorption benefits. Analysis was done using Pro-E, Hyper mesh and Ansys 7.0 software. The debonding between interior and exterior
face sheet resulted in the part failure above load of 11.7KN.

Yu et al.56 analyse thick hybrid beams made of closed cell aluminium foam in three point bending and low velocity impact. Recently Ugale
and Prashant Kumar57 have done experimentation on thin sandwich panel in impact and static loading made up of glass/epoxy (hand lay-up
method). Composite are then analysed for low velocity impact loading, damage area, indentation depth and permanent depression over damage
area with failure modes were obtained. Three point bend test on jute-epoxy sandwich was also tried. The permanent depression was less than
1mm and spread up to 16mm radial distance from impact center at impact energy of 18J. Mohamed et al.58 studied three designs of glass
reinforced composite hybrid structures, namely boxes (web-core W1), trapezoidal & polyurethane rigid foam using vacuum assisted fabrication
technique. The mechanical response of all three structures under flexural loading was analyzed using FEM by ABAQUS.
47. P.A. Thakare, Neeraj Kumar, V. B. Ugale,.SCOPE FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF FRP COMPOSITE
REINFORCED WITH DIFFERENT NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS - A REVIEW. Journal for Advanced
Research in Applied Sciences. Volume 4, Issue 4, Sept-2017 Pages: 43-50

Vaidya et al.59,60,61 studied static compression, low velocity impact and high strain compression response of a number of innovative hybrid
constructions with reinforced cores by means of three dimensional Z-pins embedded in foam, honeycomb cells filled with foam, and hallow
space accessible Z-pins acting as core reinforcement to increase transverse stiffness as compared to foam cores. Vinay62, 63 fabricated glass fabric
and chopped strand mat with epoxy matrix by vacuum bagging technique. Characterization was done under impact and three point test shows
such types of hybrid are compatible for outer body of boat.

C. Improvement in properties of FRP composite

Natural Fibers show comparatively poor fiber/ matrix interaction, water resistance and lower durability. Chemical approaches are more
exemplified within the literature with better enhancement obtained to date. Chemical treatments comprise alkali, acetyl, silane, benzyl, peroxide,
zirconate treatments and use of coupling agents. Alkali treatment eliminates fiber constituents including cellulose, fat, lignin and wax which
rises surface roughness area for better interfacial bonding. Results emphasized significant promise for NF light duty sheets pilling structure to
replace conventional concrete and steel structures.

Nano composite shows considerable applications in different fields because of larger surface area and greater aspect ratio with fascinating
properties. Hybrid bio-based composite that exploit the synergy between natural fibers and reinforced polymer can lead to improved properties
along with maintaining environmental appeal. Saba et al.5 presented information about nano-fillers with a new aspect of nano-technology. The
particles like silica (SiO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2) calcium carbonate (CaCO3) etc. are inorganic fillers while coir, carbon black, cellulosic are
organic fillers. These materials offer many of the same and equivalent advantages in terms of strength and toughness as conventional composite
together with unique advantage including lower density, compatibility and recyclability. Sumio Iijima on 7 November 1991 announced about
the discovery of a needle like tubes of carbon in nanometer scale also well known as carbon nano tubes (CNTs) 64. On the basis of fabrication,
CNTs can be divided in two categories Single-walled (SW) and Multi-walled (MW) CNTs65, 66 as shown in fig 3.

Mechanical properties (high aspect ratio more than 1,000), light weight, high strength, stiffness, electrical, chemical and thermal properties make
CNTs an ultimate material for scientific studies in many different areas65, 67. Few researchers worked on mechanical performance of CNT based
FRP/epoxy composites. They observed when CNTs are used as secondary reinforcing element in FRP/epoxy composites, impact resistance as
well as other mechanical properties like thermal conductivity, damping behavior are improved68.

Fig. 3 - Single wall (SW) & Multiwall (MW) CNT [5]

III. DISCUSSION
Manufacturing industries are always in search of high strength, high stiff, lighter weight, low cost and recyclable materials from energy
efficient perspective to improve the profit and to have design flexibility. Polymer composite panels are in great demand. Number of researchers
are working in the field of polymer composites to enhance their properties.

Many researchers worked on the composite panels fabricated by reinforcing synthetic fibers like glass fibers, carbon fibers or kevlar fibers in
the polymer3, 7, 23. However, the processing cost of synthetic fibers is high. Also, lot of research has been done on the composite panels
fabricated by natural fibers like8, 9, 15, 39, 42. Though, the natural fibers are having low processing cost, they are hydrophilic in nature. To take the
best advantages of natural fibers, the chemical pretreatment is necessary to reduce moisture absorption13, 21, 69. Natural fibers are viable material
for the core of composite panel as far as cost and strength are concerned. Some of the researchers worked on the hybrid combination of synthetic
and natural fibers 41-49 to take the advantage of properties both natural and synthetic fibers. However, there is scope to search for suitable hybrid
combination of natural and synthetic fibers to make high strength and high stiff composite component, to explore some of the applications in
automotive and aircraft interior, window/door panels, furniture etc.

Commonly used fabrication technique is vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding as shown in fig. 4 to improve the fiber volume fraction24, 25,
42, 63.

Fig. 4 - Vacuum Bagging Technique [63]

48. P.A. Thakare, Neeraj Kumar, V. B. Ugale,.SCOPE FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF FRP COMPOSITE
REINFORCED WITH DIFFERENT NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS - A REVIEW. Journal for Advanced
Research in Applied Sciences. Volume 4, Issue 4, Sept-2017 Pages: 43-50

The potential of nano particle in making superior composite with better mechanical and thermal properties are also explored68, 72. Literature
proposes 50% and 25% improvement in flexural strength & modulus receptively and formation of strong interfacial bonding between MWNTs,
epoxy matrix and carbon fiber1, 2, 40. There are various methods of production of carbon nano-tubes such as arc discharge, submerged arc
discharge, laser ablation, electrolysis and chemical vapour deposition etc. Out of these, arc discharge method is less costly and efficient. CNTs
are produced using an arc discharge evaporation method between two graphite electrode in the chamber under 10-30 torr vacuum. DC current is
used of 100-200A at 20 -40V between the electrode. The carbon needles, ranging from 4 to 30nm diameter and up to 1nm in length can be
produced with this kind of setup as shown in the fig 5. However, post processing and synthesis is must to get the pure CNTs to use in FRP73.

Fig. 5 - Schematic of Arc discharge method for CNT production [73]

Through characterization, the material response over the entire range of loading can be analyzed for material optimization and utilization.
Bend test, inter laminar shear test, impact test and fatigue test were performed on hybrid composite specimen2, 34, 35, 56, 57. One of the major
concerns in the use of monolithic and a hybrid composite material is the damage induced in these materials by foreign body impacts that are
expected during life of structures. Impact induced damage can cause drastic reduction in strength of the structure6, 9, 10, 29, 38, 63. For this reason
impact on composite structures has been subject of intense research.

Glass wool insulation is one of the most widely used insulating materials because of its thermal and acoustic properties, light weight, higher
tensile strength and exceptional resilience. Composite made up of synthetic and natural fibers with glass as main composition element can be
explored for sound damping property( for acoustic duct, dumping tiles and ceiling etc.) by estimating coefficient of sound absorption at various
frequencies using impedance tube set up as shown in fig 6.

Fig. 6 - Sound impedance tube for measuring sound absorption coefficient [71]

It shows that natural fiber reinforced composite have superior noise reduction competency particularly at high frequencies which would be
very valuable for damping and aeronautical applications as shown in fig 7.

Fig. 7 - Sound absorption coefficients of natural and synthetic fibers [71]

The fiber materials (glass wool fiber) are often used as thermal insulation in air and building industry. Therefore it is important to develop
simple methods that will enable to determine its thermal properties especially thermal conductivity. The feasibility of using natural and synthetic
fiber hybrid composite in applications such as thermal duct, cold storage, thermal conductivity and fire resistance properties need to be
addressed as shown in the set up as shown in fig 8.
49. P.A. Thakare, Neeraj Kumar, V. B. Ugale,.SCOPE FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF FRP COMPOSITE
REINFORCED WITH DIFFERENT NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS - A REVIEW. Journal for Advanced
Research in Applied Sciences. Volume 4, Issue 4, Sept-2017 Pages: 43-50

Fig. 8- Hot plate apparatus for measurement of thermal coefficient of resistance [70]

IV. CONCLUSION
Based on comprehensive literature review of different aspects in developing polymer composite materials, the following conclusions have
been drawn. Optimizing fibre architecture and its parameters is significant for developing new hybrid fabrics for composite product development.
Extensive research has been done in the area of polymer composites by using varieties of reinforcing materials like glass fibers, carbon fibers,
kevlar fibers, different natural fibers, etc.

However, there is extent to develop the composite by using natural fibers and thermoplastic resin to get low cost biodegradable composite.
Also, hybrid composite structures made of suitable combination of natural and synthetic fibers can be the better option to get the low cost and
optimum strength/weight ratio.

Impact resistance, fatigue strength as well as other properties like thermal resistance, damping behavior of FRP composite can be explored
when CNTs is used as secondary reinforcing material. Increasing percentage of CNTs results variations in impact resistance. LS-DYNA
provides best simulation results for impact behavior of the composite panels. Thermal and acoustic behaviour are necessary to investigate to use
FRP composites in new range of applications.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Authors acknowledge with thanks to College of Military Engineering, Pune and Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur for the support and
successful completion of the review research work. We sincerely thanks all the authors who made literature available in this domain.

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